Royal Brackla 21 Year (Discontinued)

Possibly the best scotch I've had in 2023. Along with Rich Cacao from Macallan, this is among the top-tier scotch I've ever experienced. Beautiful, gentle marzipan on the nose, like a warm breeze, followed by a hint of smoke upon tasting, a brief peated note showing its flair then disappearing. No unnecessary spice or anything beyond the initial experience and its aftereffect. A beautiful spirit that I try to find again, but the peak enjoyment fades quickly. It's what I've been searching for all night. Very clear and straightforward compared to Springbank 12 years. I liked this much more. I appreciated the complexity of Rich Cacao, but this one has a beautiful rhythm. Nothing overwhelming at the end is my new preference.

Tastes like apple juice. Disappointing for a 21-year-old whisky, it's equivalent to buying a Glen Moray NAS. Bottled at 40% ABV. The nose and palate are very straightforward. On the nose: fresh apples, vanilla, and a subtle spiciness (cinnamon). Palate: coffee, brown sugar, licorice. The finish has an herbal oregano note. It strongly resembles a Speyside whisky. Very simple and not a worthwhile 21-year-old. It costs around €90, which is somewhat questionable for a whisky of this age. Overall, I rate this dram a 68 out of 100.

The newer 46% ABV version, finished in Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximenez casks, could be mistaken for a Glenmorangie in a blind taste test due to its rich honey and fruit profile with some sherry influence. It exhibits notes of honey, almonds, raisins, cherries, orange zest, cinnamon, peaches, licorice, cloves, figs, hazelnuts, milk chocolate, mocha, stewed apples, pineapples, and toffee.

I'm perplexed by the scope of this one. There's fruit, spicy oak, and sherry elements, but they all arrive at separate moments, unlike most. It's definitely intricate, and I'm enjoying it. However, it's not straightforward to define. I'd suggest following the guidance of experienced palates. I'm hopeful that more sips will reveal a clearer profile.

In a world filled with complexity (yes, I'm talking to you, flat-pack furniture), sometimes you just want something straightforward. This dram is certainly that: honey, caramel, a hint of nuttiness, and that's it. I quite enjoyed it for what it was; it's not something I'd rush back to, but it perfectly suited my mood at the time.

This is an outstanding spirit, but its price point makes it inaccessible, especially considering the availability of many excellent, some even superior, whiskeys in the $230 price range.